SUN-DRENCHED Macclesfield college played host to some samba football on Saturday, as veterans from throughout the town congregated to compete in the annual Macc Boys 'Old Codgers Cup'.

Defences were on top in the group stages, but this year's surprise package were Gerry hat-tricks who, like a fine wine came of age after not managing to score a goal in five years of the competition!

Despite managing a highly creditable two wins and three draws the side did not qualify from the group -but how much this can be put down to the absence of solid centre-back 'iron' Ian Hutcheson is a hotly debated area within the side!

The groups proved a bridge too far for many of the teams, with Knotvery Athletic, Boca Seniors and Wheelchair Wanderers among those trundling dejectedly home.

There were no such worries for the remaining teams as a fiercely competitive knockout gained momentum. Fallibroome Arthritic sneaked through in the quarter finals, and were indebted to inspired keeper Bernie Orford who pulled off two magnificent penalty shootout saves.

Real Ale Madrid appeared favourites after comfortably booking a semi-final tie against the Fallibroome team. Rigamortis Rangers were declared dead on arrival in the knockouts, unlike the Sanatogen Studs and Old Men Utd who also qualified for the second semi.

Fallibroome pulled off a major shock by beating reigning champions Real Ale Madrid and setting up a final against the Studs, who sneaked past a strong Old Men Utd. team.

The final was a more comfortable affair, and Fallibroome, full of confidence after their debut run to the final, took the tie 2-0 with Tony Luke in stunning form, bagging a brace before an excited celebration.

A great time was enjoyed by all, with the tournament going from strength to strength and earning £600 towards Macc Boys club funds.

A big thanks goes to all the participants and helpers who made this event a great success, and congratulations to the winners, Fallibroome Arthritic.

We attempted to get an interview with some of the participants, but unfortunately they are back on the training pitch, planning various routes to glory in next year's tournament!